hand foot and mouth...

[Floweryfields]

It does sound very yucky, be rest assured that it's not a reflection on you or your hygeine - I think they need to give it a different name. It's something as simple as touching the handle of a shopping trolley that another child with it has touched or dribbled on. It is also infectious before any blisters appear and sometimes they don't get blisters on the hands at all.

[RhiChiChi]

It does sound very yucky, be rest assured that it's not a reflection on you or your hygeine - I think they need to give it a different name. It's something as simple as touching the handle of a shopping trolley that another child with it has touched or dribbled on. It is also infectious before any blisters appear and sometimes they don't get blisters on the hands at all.

ausgirl is right - it's like catching a cold from touching something that someone else has touched who has the 'germ'. I have also heard it is very common to get it from the travelators at shopping centres....

I don't think there is anything to do to make it clear up faster - it just takes time. Not sure if you can put calomine (sp?) on it.... checking Dr Google....

This is what I found... ' How is it spread?

•Hand, foot and mouth disease is usually spread by person-to-person contact. The virus is spread from the faeces of an infected person to the mouth of the next person by contaminated hands. It is also spread by secretions from the mouth or respiratory system, and by direct contact with the fluid from blisters.
•It usually takes between three and five days after contact with an infected person before blisters appear. The virus can remain in faeces for several weeks.

Who is at risk?

•The viruses that cause hand, foot and mouth disease are common and adults including pregnant women are often exposed to them without symptoms. There is no clear evidence of risk to unborn babies from hand, foot and mouth disease. However, infected mothers can pass the infection onto newborn babies who rarely can have severe disease.
•Outbreaks may occur in child care settings.

How can it be prevented?

•Good hygiene is the best protection: wash hands with soap and water after going to the toilet, before eating, after wiping noses, and after changing nappies or soiled clothing.
•Avoid sharing cups, eating utensils, items of personal hygiene (for example: towels, washers and toothbrushes), and clothing (especially shoes and socks).
•Thoroughly wash any soiled clothing.
•Ensure the mouth and nose are covered when coughing and sneezing.Wipe the nose and mouth with tissues, dispose of used tissues and then wash your hands.

How is it diagnosed?
The doctor can diagnose hand, foot and mouth disease based on the symptoms. Laboratory tests are not usually necessary.

How is it treated?
Usually no treatment is needed. Paracetamol will relieve fever and discomfort. Do not give children aspirin. If the headache is severe, or if fever persists, consult a doctor.'

[Trillian]

Unfortunately it's one of those things where you can't really treat it, just make them comfortable till it passes. My lot had it a few months ago and poor DS1 couldn't eat for nearly a week it was that bad. I also gave them tubs of warm salt water to soak their feet in to ease the itching as well.